Members Fueling Progress

SPE is comprised of members who work continuously to make both the industry and our organization better. Here are compelling stories about members who go beyond their own careers — fueling progress for the future of energy.

2022 Outstanding Graduate Student Award from the SPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technical Section

Transforming Education Into Impact: Balnur Mindygaliyeva’s SPE Story of Academic Leadership

6 November 2024

Balnur Mindygaliyeva’s nine-year journey with SPE has been instrumental in her development as a researcher and leader. Through active involvement in student chapters, conferences and committees, she’s gained technical expertise, leadership skills and invaluable industry connections. Balnur’s experience underscores the profound impact SPE can have on shaping the careers of aspiring energy professionals.

Featured: Balnur Mindygaliyeva, Ph.D. Candidate
Student Member since 2015

Related content: SPE Student Members | North America Student Symposium

Cassandra Dewan is Shaping the Future of Energy Through SPE Initiatives

8 October 2024

As a dedicated SPE member for over a decade, Cassandra Dewan has made meaningful contributions to numerous SPE initiatives, including the ATCE Energy Transition Subcommittee, PetroBowl, and Virtual Career Pathways Fair. Her involvement reflects a strong commitment to the energy sector and a passion for promoting professional development and leadership opportunities for emerging talent in the industry.

Discover more about Cassandra's commitment to SPE.

Featured: Cassandra Dewan, SLB
Member since 2013

Related content: SPE PetroBowl | Virtual Career Pathways Fair

Gabrijel Grubac with the SPE Romanian Section

From Young Professional to Industry Influencer: Gabrijel Grubac's Impact on Energy and SPE

5 September 2024

Gabrijel Grubac blends his professional expertise in the energy sector with his desire to give back within SPE and beyond. As a key figure in the SPE Romanian Section, he has made significant contributions through various SPE initiatives, inlcuding the Young Professionals Committee and SPE Tech Days. Through his commitment to SPE, Gabrijel continues to driving progress and inspire future leaders in the energy field.

Learn about Gabrijel's passion for SPE and our organization's programs.

Featured: Gabrijel Grubac, Blade Energy Partners
Member since 2018

Related content: TWA Energy Influencers 2023 | SPE Young Professionals

Hitesh Mohan: Pioneering Energy Sector Advancements Through Leadership and Education

6 August 2024

Hitesh Mohan has been a driving force in the energy sector for decades through a rich history of leadership roles within SPE. His efforts have been recognized with prestigious awards and a coveted position as a Distinguished Lecturer. From spearheading revitalization initiatives to engaging with industry leaders worldwide, Hitesh Mohan continues to shape the future of energy with unwavering commitment and innovation.

Featured: Hitesh Mohan, INTEK Inc.
Member since 1994

Natan Battisti at an ALP event with UFPel

Empowering the Future: Natan Battisti’s Journey to Support Young Professionals in the Energy Industry

12 June 2024

Alongside the constant change of the energy industry, one SPE member found stability in his commitment to help other young professionals and students across the globe, igniting inspiration among emerging talents. Natan Battisti has proven himself as a trailblazer in the ever-evolving energy realm, defying stereotypes with his unparalleled grit and ambition while leading the charge toward a brighter energy future.

Learn more about Natan's drive to better the industry for young professionals.

Featured: Natan Battisti, Harbour Energy
Member since 2013

Maria de Lourdes Guinazu presents at ATCE

Embracing Diversity: Pioneering an Inclusive Future for the Energy Industry

8 May 2024

Within the oil and gas industry, diversity and inclusion has become an important topic of discussion in an ever-changing energy landscape. Through initiatives led by SPE members like Maria de Lourdes Guiñazu, a path to a more inclusive industry is becoming a reality. Through her D&I efforts, Lourdes has not only advanced her own professional career, but has helped make way for others in an industry historically dominated by men.

Featured: Maria de Lourdes Guiñazu, Brent Energia y Servicios

SPE Members Educate, Share Passion for Industry Through Energy4me

7 February 2024

In the dynamic realm of energy education, SPE members are fueling progress through the Energy4me program. SPE members Felicia Oluwadamilola Olaniran, Soazig Leveque, and Kamilah Othman volunteer with Energy4me to share their knowledge and passion for the industry with students in Nigeria and Brunei, discovering that the students are not the only ones to reap the rewards of the program.

Featured: Felicia Oluwadamilola Olaniran; Soazig Leveque; Kamilah Othman

Distinguished speakers and committee leadership at the SPE symposium in Kuala Lumpur.

Asia Pacific Poised for Significant Growth in CCS/CCUS Technologies

15 November 2023

SPE members, industry experts and policymakers recently joined together in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the fourth edition of the "SPE Symposium: CCUS Management in Kuala Lumpur" to discuss ongoing strategies and new initiatives surrounding CCUS across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region and beyond. The two-day event fostered collaboration among stakeholders and showcased the region's dedication to CCUS technologies and the industry's transition to a more sustainable energy future.

Learn more about the symposium on JPT.

TWA Energy Influencers Announced for 2023

7 September 2023

The 2023 TWA Energy Influencers have been announced, with 11 young professionals selected for this year's award. Each year, TWA selects a group of young professionals in the oil and gas industry who have positively influenced others through their work. These exceptional young professionals continually inspire colleagues, SPE members and future energy professionals through their dedication to their work and the industry as a whole.

Related content: SPE Young Professionals | The Way Ahead (TWA) Magazine

Drillbotics - University of Stavanger group

Drillbotics: Where Young Engineers Can Explore the Future of Drilling

15 August 2023

SPE’s Drilling Systems Automation Technical Section (DSATS) recently hosted its 2023 Drillbotics competiton, showcasing 13 teams from seven countries across four continents. Split into two groups, supporting either a virtual rig or a physical rig, competitors vied for the opportunity to present a paper on behalf of SPE at the IADC/SPE International Drilling Conference and Exhibition.

Learn more about the event.

2024 SPE President Terry Palisch Leads Delegation to Beijing To Strengthen Global Energy Collaborations

31 July 2023

In an effort to promote international collaboration, 2024 SPE President Terry Palisch lead a delegation to Beijing, China. By securing meetings with key stakeholders in the Chinese upstream and energy sector, there were a wealth of opportunities for discussion surrounding techical advancements in sustainable energy efforts and future energy prospects.

SPE Asia Pacific Executive Dialogue: The Carbon Neutral Journey

28 June 2023

During SPE Asia Pacific's Executive Dialogue, 25 senior industry leaders gathered in Kuala Lumpur to discuss global plans related to achieving carbon neutrality in the upstream industry. The by-invitation-only event, led by Datuk Adif Zulkifli, Chairman of the SPE Asia Pacific Regional Advisory Council, provided opportunity for open discussion regarding the challenges of carbon neutrality and insights related to evolving standards and policies for decarbonization.

First-Ever SPE Student Chapter in Timor-Leste Represents Resilience and Progress

11 May 2023

Celebrations were in order on 9 May 2023, as student members at the National University of Timor-Lorosa'e (UNTL) and Dili Institute of Technology (DIT) gathered to mark the establishment of the first SPE student chapter in Timor-Leste. Following sponsorship from the SPE Western Australia Section, students worked collaboratively to meet the requirements for forming a student chapter.

Learn more about the student chapter establishment.

Members Fueling Progress will be updated regularly with stories from our community.